PSH :: Park Si Hoo
LKK :: Lee Kyung Kyu (Host in red)
KJD :: Kim Je Dong (Host in Grey)
HHJ :: Han Hye Jin (actress)
KJD :: Kim Je Dong (Host in Grey)
HHJ :: Han Hye Jin (actress)
PSH’s nicknames – “Man women wanna seduce”, “Perfect Korean Man”, “Sweet and Cool Man”, “Second Generation Chaebol”.Now storming out of Korea to become a Hallyu star in Asia – Park Si Hoo.
You’ll see the real PSH in today’s “Healing Camp” – everything about PSH.
LKK :: PSH is here with us today ~ to find healing.
HHJ~KJD :: You seem to like handsome men. Every time we have a handsome man on our show, you are especially happy.
LKK :: When one mentions PSH, one can’t help mentioning “Princess Prosecutor” , “Queen of Reversals”, “The Princess’s Man”, and this time it is “Cheongdam-dong Alice”. So there are queens and princesses, all these beautiful girlfriends — are you just the sidedish to their entrees?
PSH :: By the side of all these princesses and queens, I feel overshadowed. This time (with CDDA) I also feel a little subdued.
HHJ :: He and his leading ladies are all very compatible.
PSH :: Thanks!
LKK :: About his being compatible with his leading ladies, is it because he looks average?
PSH :: Yes, very average, and I don’t have double eyelids.
KJD :: Not everybody without double eyelids is average.
LKK :: Let’s be honest, PSH, do you think you look handsome?
PSH :: Looks like I have some confidence (in this aspect )
LKK :: When it is announced PSH is coming on our show, many female viewers called us, some even from overseas, saying they want to send food and presents to SBS production staff.
HHJ :: This is the first time, right?
LKK :: Of course this is the first time. (To PSH) Did you produce and direct this?
(Japan Fan Meeting segment shown)
PSH :: TPM was broadcasting in Japan and reaction was very good. Also in China and Taiwan. It seems my fame is growing little by little. Oh, so embarrassing! (hiding his head in his hands.)
LKK :: You’ve captured all Asian females’ hearts. What is the real PSH like?
PSH :: I’m not sure myself. That’s why I’ve come on HC to find out the real me.
HHJ :: He rejected 5 TV programs to come on HC. So what’s going to happen to these other programs?
PSH :: Actually I don’t really know what those programs are. I only know there are 5.
LKK :: The more you reveal of yourself, the more you will understand yourself. The more you give, the more you get.
PSH :: You’re saying all these to bait me.
PSH :: (PSH addressing audience) Dear viewers, I also want to know my real self. You’re all curious, right? Don’t switch channels. Be sure to watch till the end…. (at the prompting of (3) … Just watch me.
(Commentary) Our PSH has many nicknames – “Man women wanna seduce”, “Finicky Man”, “Posing Man”, “Perfect Korean Man”, “Sweet and Cold Man”.
(PSH is asked to explain his various nicknames.)
How did PSH get the nickname of “Man women wanna seduce”? There must be a reason. We’ve got the evidence here.
(Kissing scenes from PSH’s dramas shown — PP, QOR, TPM)
LKK :: Wow! Like a vacuum cleaner (referring to PSH kissing) Did you practice it at home?
PSH :: No, no!
HHJ :: You kiss very realistically.
PSH :: There’s a kissing scene in Family Honor. Script says “pure kiss”, really very pure, just barely touching the lips. Then someone left a comment: “How can there be such a light kiss?” But that’s how it is written in the script. I’m not really like that. I’ve been saving for this, so in the next kiss I just grab her and kiss her.
LKK :: Are you very experienced in kissing?
PSH :: (hesitates) I can’t say I haven’t any experience.
LKK :: Actually the script asks if you belong to the representative class, but it seems a bit much. Are you our national representative?
PSH :: I suppose I’m the type that is engrossed, whether filming or in real life.
KJD :: Because you are so engrossed, so very confident, in interviews you boasted “I’ve kissed a lot.”
PSH :: I did not boast.
KJD :: But just now you said you had experience?
PSH :: Yes … eh, well, anyway it’s not that I don’t know how.
(They ask PSH to teach KJD)
PSH :: First, self-confidence is very important. Don’t be afraid. Second, just grab her.
LKK :: Which part?
PSH :: Neck or waist…. And one more — bend!
HHJ :: But females like it gentler.
PSH :: This depends on the circumstances. If you don’t do it right, it could result in injury.
(Comment on screen) This man gives the impression of being a Black Hole.
LKK :: Heard you’ve not been in a relationship in 7 years.
PSH :: When I first started out (in 2005), I had a girlfriend of 3 years. After I began my acting career, I became very busy and did not have much time to take care of her, so we naturally drifted apart.
HHJ :: After you began your acting career, you have not been in any relationship?
PSH :: How is that possible? … that … occasionally…When I’m filming, after I became an actor, it’s not easy to be in a relationship, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been, after all, I’m a man.The girlfriends I’ve had all gave me confidence and self-confidence. Even before I made it, they were all very encouraging and said everything would get better.
HHJ :: You’ve met some good people.
PSH :: Could it be because I was too blessed then so these 7 years have become blank?
LKK :: So let’s play matchmaker now – HAN HYE JIN and PARK SI HOO.
PSH :: Earlier when I was at the Busan International Film Festival, I saw her (HHJ) for the first time and was struck by the way she was dressed in an evening gown. She looked very pretty. (And he used his hands to draw the curves of her body ~ like a coca-cola bottle.)
(Matchmaking game)
PSH :: (PSH introduces himself) I’ve not been in a relationship for 7 years. If I’m chosen, my 7 years of regret will be redressed all at once. (pausing) My family also has some land. Anyway, please choose me.
(So PSH and HHJ go on a lunch date – eating lunch boxes.)
Commentary – Single for 7 years, he still has some skills. He places some kind of paper for the girl to sit on and puts a throw over her lap.
Is this man an expert?
HHJ :: What would you like to do on a date?
PSH :: Drive around
HHJ :: I love to drive around.
PSH :: Driving and listening to music
HHJ :: What kind of songs do you like?
PSH :: Folk, jazz, pop — I like them all.
HHJ :: Assorted, I also like mixed. We’re a good match.
PSH :: The lunch is also mixed.
HHJ :: I also want to go on a drive.
PSH :: Then let’s go.
HHJ :: When going on a fixed date (matchmaking), one feels constrained.
PSH :: That’s because personalities don’t match.
HHJ :: #2 Female Kim So Yeon, #3 Female Kim Nam Joo — You like them very much?
PSH :: They all seem very busy.
HHJ :: What do you normally do in your spare time?
PSH :: I like to travel.
HHJ :: I like to travel too.
PSH :: Then let’s go together.
(Dancing scene from QOR)
HHJ :: You dance well! Heard you go to clubs a lot.
PSH :: When I’m working, normally it’s 10 months of work and 2 months of rest. When I’m resting, sometimes I go to clubs. … After I’ve had half a bottle of wine, I’d become very brave.
HHJ :: You can’t drink, right?
PSH :: That’s right.
HHJ :: Don’t you go to clubs to drink?
PSH :: There’s also dancing, and …. ogling the girls….
HHJ :: When I’m filming, there’s no time to go.
PSH :: I also went when I was in Busan. It’s not something to be ashamed of.
HHJ :: Rumor has it you drink vodka every night.
PSH :: When I drink a little wine, I sleep very well — it’s like sleeping pills to me. When I go on a 10-hour trip, I can sleep for 6 hours after drinking a little wine. I’m like this too when I’m meeting advertisers. They are all a little old and they like to drink while talking business. And I’d go (he acts dozing off…) Really, I keep dozing off. So they’d say: Please take him home; he needs rest. It could lead to misunderstanding. (Addressing advertisers) Please try to understand, so there won’t be any misunderstanding. It has to do with my constitution. My parents are like that too ~ they can’t drink at all. You know the kind of medicine that aids digestion. In high school my brother and I would drink half a bottle of that and our faces would immediately become red.
HHJ :: Looks like you’re deficient in some kind of detoxification function. What about coffee?
PSH :: I’m very allergic to coffee. I never drink it at night.
KJD :: Then it’s wine and coffee, sleep and wake, sleep and wake.
PSH :: Yes, yes. Right, right. You know those energy drinks? There are lots in clubs.
(They keep teasing him and he tries desperately to explain that he’s the work hard [10 months] play hard [2 months] type.)
PSH :: (Resumes) … When I can’t sleep for 2 nights, can’t take it anymore, must sleep, so I drink a glass of red wine, but wake up after only an hour.
KJD :: You have alcoholic poisoning. If you want to sleep, you should not drink wine.
PSH :: Drinking a glass of wine makes me feel good and comfortable.
Song Challenge
PSH :: Any accompaniment? (PSH tries to sing “Seasons in the Sun”, but has to stop with “Stop”….) The microphone is no good.
HHJ :: Surprisingly he’s very simple.
PSH :: I wasn’t bad at fan meetings.
(Video of Japan Fan Meeting shown)
PSH :: I’ll sing “Will you marry me?” (Sings song) Don’t know why I sing so badly today.
LKK :: That’s pretty good, especially the last bit – “Will you marry me?” Actually it’s not easy to say this, but you’re very fluent.
PSH :: This is acting.
KJD :: You sing this song because you want to say these words.
PSH :: You can say so.
The real Park Si Hoo.
Photos of PSH with bare upper torso shown — PSH is King of Appearance/Pose
LKK :: I’ve seen photos you posted on the net – do you admit you have the “Prince Sickness”*? [ED: * "prince sickness" = he thinks he is a prince]
PSH :: A little
LKK :: I heard you manage your own fan club.
PSH :: What? … Before I became famous. I was the Master and my brother was the Admin.
HHJ :: You uploaded photos yourself?
PSH :: At first I had to do that myself. Then my good friends also joined as members. When membership rose from a few 10s to a few hundreds, I retreated to the background. I pretended to be my brother, but actually it was me uploading those photos. (Shows CSJ working online in CDDA)
LKK :: Before you became an actor, you worked many odd jobs. You already knew how to put on airs then?
PSH :: I am our country’s first male etiquette model.
KJD :: What is “male etiquette model”?
PSH :: Standing at department store entrance, handing out perfume samples – “Please try this.”
HHJ :: Heard you met Kim Nam Joo when you were working at this job.
PSH :: Once I was working in a department store, I extended my hand sprayed with perfume. And then I saw Kim Nam Joo nuna , she was really very lovely. She was wearing a hat and she seemed to be emitting light. She was holding an autograph signing ceremony there.
HHJ :: And then you worked with her later in a drama.
PSH :: I never even dreamed of that. And when we were working together, I did not mention this incident.
KJD :: Have you created the wrong impressions at auditions?
PSH :: Not really.
KJD :: At auditions you have to strike a pose to get selected.
PSH :: There was a drama for youths called “Victor Man”. I went for an audition and the director told me to strip. I didn’t know you had to strip at auditions, so I said to the director: “Isn’t it a bit much to strip now?” Ask me in two weeks and I’ll strip. Director said we wouldn’t be seeing you then.
KJD :: You were a rookie then.
PSH :: That’s why I wasn’t selected.
LKK :: Of course, who would select you?
PSH :: That character was called Eagle. Kim Seung Soo was chosen … Although I was more agile.
LKK :: You have also been an underwear model, right?
PSH :: Yes, in between acting jobs. I don’t feel embarrassed about that. Not everyone can be an underwear model. You have to have a good figure.
(Shows photo of PSH in pyjamas)
LKK :: How old were you then?
PSH :: Mid-20s
(Shows photo of PSH in underwear)
KJD :: This kind of underwear requires the model to have not just a perfect upper torso but must also be muscular all over.
PSH :: The actor who got the part of Eagle was the previous model.
(Photo of Kim Seung Soo shown)
PSH :: I progressed in stages ~ from youth dramas to underwear model to TV dramas.
HHJ :: But not everyone can be an underwear model. Requirements are tough.
PSH :: With clothes usually it’s shooting twice a year. At that time I thought I only had to take off my top two times a year, put on some underwear, and I could earn quite a lot, so I signed the contract. But they called me in 4 times in a month. I must have worn hundreds and thousands of underwear.
KJD :: No easy money in this world.
PSH :: They still show the photos now because the contract says they could be used until production is discontinued. They’re still selling them — until they’re sold out.
LKK :: This is the first time I’ve heard of such a kind of contract.
PSH :: Not so long ago I still saw their products in a department store.
HHJ :: What year was this?
PSH :: 2002/03...10 years ago
LKK :: So it’s just putting on and taking off underwear.
PSH :: There’s a safety pin in the underpants. It has to be skin tight. The pin is at the back.
LKK :: You don’t feel embarrassed?
PSH :: It’s embarrassing, but my experience then gave me a lot of help in facing cameras.
LKK :: Because you’re a rookie.
PSH :: Who knows the contract would be like that? Have to think positive.
KJD :: Which part of you have not been filmed?
LKK :: Don’t know whether this will hurt your feelings. When you were in supporting roles, you were very picky. You wouldn’t take any roles that did not place you next to the lead actor.
PSH :: When I first started, I was an extra. After a few times I thought: I have my own target, my own dreams. I can’t be an extra forever, so I started being picky. I would only take roles that are more substantial, that place me next to the lead actor. Not just in the background, but roles with lines. At that time there was a big drama called “White Night 3.98″. Who knows you’re an extra? Everybody feels like an actor. I didn’t have anything on my resume, so I needed to pad it to be a supporting actor. There’s a role that calls for me to push the wheelchair of the star.
HHJ :: Who was it?
PSH :: Lee Byung Hun. I was wearing military uniform.
(Scene of PSH pushing a wheelchair, with LBH on one side.)
(PSH of LBH) :: Look at him. That killer smile. So handsome. That I could stand next to our country’s famous actor, pushing a wheelchair … I look quite fair too. (meaning his complexion) I have my dreams too.
HHJ :: That’s why you obstinately only chose those roles that allowed you to be with the lead actor?
PSH :: Not obstinate, it’s naturally like that. … It’s also because of my hard work.
LKK :: When you were an extra, what other works did you participate in?
PSH :: There’s a role as Jang Dong Gun’s friend which I happily accepted …. Because I look fair and I don’t want to be buried.
LKK :: Jang Dong Gun’s friend?
PSH :: His college friend at a scene of meeting some girls. The Assistant Director even gave me a line ~ “Everybody takes out some personal item to be your signature.” … It is the fruit of my labor.
KJD :: Speaking in front of JDG?
PSH :: Yes, in front of my senior. I memorized this line several times, hundreds of times. Come shooting, I was getting ready … 1, 2, 3 - I was about to speak this line. Suddenly some other supporting actor spoke my line, so I had nothing to say.
HHJ :: But why was that?
PSH :: I didn’t know why he spoke my line. I was mad. This was the first time I had a line. I was very nervous; I was afraid of NG. So I thought: OK, maybe it’s better this way. That’s the way it happened. At least I was by the side of JDG.
HHJ :: So you let it go?
PSH :: Yes, that’s it.
HHJ :: You had a strategy.
PSH :: So I beefed up my resume with 1, 2, 3, 4…
HHJ :: That worked?
PSH :: Other people would think I was an actor. Who knew I was only an extra?
LKK :: Because you looked fair.
PSH :: Yes, because I looked fair.
HHJ :: You admit that you look fair, but you’re very shy.
LKK :: Heard you put on airs in front of Lee Byung Hun.
PSH :: At a drinking place, I had 1 1/2 glasses when LBH appeared. He filled our glasses and I told him I could not drink. I was only telling the truth, but people probably thought this newbie was so arrogant. But it wasn’t like that; I really couldn’t drink. And I was dozing off. So I was targeted from the first. Then we met again on other occasions. He kept saying: “You’re still dozing off all the time.”
LKK :: What year were you born?
PSH :: What?
LKK :: How old are you?
PSH :: Oh this, I’m in my mid-30s.
HHJ :: Actually you’re still young. You don’t seem to want to talk about your age.
PSH :: It’s not that. I just want to live younger.
LKK :: Everything can be searched on the internet — year of birth, age …
PSH :: But most people don’t know if they don’t search.
HHJ :: Do you feel young?
PSH :: Some people say I look like I’m in my late 20s.
LKK :: Can’t tell PSH’s age from his looks.
PSH :: Let’s just stop here.
LKK :: He has a baby face.
KJD :: Because he doesn’t drink.
PSH :: No, I drink one glass every day …. Honestly. I woke up this morning at 6 a.m. I had about 4 hours. I was lying there awake, and when it came time to start work, I would be very tired. So I drank half a glass of red wine. But I made a mistake — I already slept for 5 hours before that. Even after drinking, I could not sleep. This is a variety show. I was so nervous. My heartbeat raced.
HHJ :: Where is your native village?
PSH :: Chungcheong-do
HHJ :: What you said just now because you’re excited, you had an accent.
PSH :: Don’t know how I’m doing today.
(Scene from CDDA shown of PSH speaking in Chungcheong dialect)
INDOOR Section
LKK :: This is what PSH asked for ~ putting on airs ~ a fire in this cold weather. Good atmosphere.
PSH :: I said I hoped we could have a fire in the open air.
HHJ :: I’m so hot.
LKK :: To understand someone, first you have to see about his family background. PSH’s family is 3 generation landed gentry, rich people, prominent family. 3 generations ~ he’s the 3rd generation. There’s a saying: Wealth cannot survive the 3rd generation.
KJD :: Meaning he is the last generation?
LKK :: You’re the 3rd generation, right? This is the truth?
PSH :: When I was small, I often heard people say that in our native village, 5 public buses will pass by in one day. 40 minutes by car from Buyeo you’ll come to a totally rural area called Gakok-ri lane. Buyeo County ~ Eunsan District ~ Gakok-ri.
LKK :: That’s where the landed gentry reside. So much land at home, can’t access without building a road.
PSH :: When Grandpa was choosing a site (to build our ancestral home), he was looking for a place where the plum blossoms would fall ~ about 1 km. away. It is said that if a house is built there, the descendents will be famous.
LKK :: So it is today’s PSH.
PSH :: My younger brother was a professional baseball player. Maybe it was meant to be him. I’ve been expecting …. He’s really very good at baseball; he’s a pro.
HHJ :: Did you look fair when you were little?
PSH :: Yes, very fair. There aren’t that many people in the village.
LKK :: He is number 1 handsome man in his village.
KJD :: Your family is very prominent, right?
PSH :: My Grandpa’s hobby is hunting on his horse.
LKK :: So your Grandpa’s hobby is hunting. He couldn’t very well borrow a horse. That means he had his own horses.
PSH :: Yes
LKK :: How many rooms are there in your house?
PSH :: Originally many, now all burnt down. It’s a hanok (traditional Korean house) we still live in it.
LKK :: That’s where PSH was born? Is it still standing?
PSH :: Now the houses on both sides have been burnt down; only the one in the middle is left.
KJD :: How many rooms are there in the one house still standing?
PSH :: 9 or 10
(Photos of PSH the child shown)
PSH :: I grew up in the countryside, catching frogs, fishing, swimming, and stealing water melons.
KJD :: Rich man’s son stealing?
PSH :: When I was small, once we were grilling a chicken over a fire and eating it so deliciously. Only later did I find out the chicken was from our farm. (meant stolen from his family)
LKK :: Heard your father is 186 cm. tall. He’s a famous model in the 60s and 70s.
(Photos of Mr. Park Senior shown)
PSH :: He made 60 – 70 commercials, also appeared in some films.
HHJ :: What commercials was he in? Anything we know?
PSH :: Soju, yogurt, etc. Also with Kim Young Ae ~ still have some photos.
(Photos shown)
LKK :: Kim Young Ae was the most popular actress at that time.
HHJ :: Why didn’t he carry on with films?
PSH :: Because he’s too tall. No actress could match him. What he said was: He gave up his career because of my mother, couldn’t stand being tortured by a woman. Mother wanted to return to live in our village.
HHJ :: Because your father was too handsome.
PSH :: That’s what my father said.
LKK :: Because your father was too handsome, too many women around him, your mother couldn’t take it anymore and insisted on going back to the country.
PSH :: According to mother, Grandpa summoned them back.
LKK :: Your father also looks very fair?
PSH :: Very handsome
KJD :: Father is one grade higher ~ he’s fair, his father is handsome.
PSH :: My father liked to take us to the cinema. Most villagers don’t go to movies.
LKK :: In those days in the village, going to town to see a movie is a big thing.
PSH :: I remember I saw 007 … I was 6 or 7. I still remember the Bond girl.
HHJ :: Because of your father, you dreamt of being an actor.
PSH :: There’s this possibility.
LKK :: So cherishing the dream of being an actor, watching adult movies …
PSH :: Not adult movies, it’s 007. At that time I was very shy and an introvert. I too felt mystified how come I embarked on the road of becoming an actor.
KJD :: Shy and with no ability, but you became a actor. Is it because of your looks?
PSH :: Because I look fair … Sometimes I hear people say I’m fair.
LKK :: But your family is very rich. There’s no need for you to come to Seoul. Why?
PSH :: A man has to see the world to succeed. I want to succeed on my own. Once I met a friend at the bus stop, a junior high classmate, who told me he’s working in Seoul and lodging was provided. He invited me to come to Seoul, said he could find me a job with board and lodging provided. I was tempted, so I went to Seoul with no preparation at all. I met this friend at a cafe. He said: “A thirsty little deer will not miss a well.” He said he would take me to a place, but he didn’t say what place. But when we got there, I discovered it was really pyramid selling, so I immediately left by the back door. I really didn’t bring anything with me. I had another friend who was about to start his military service. He said I could stay at his place before it was rented out, so I immediately went there. I was very grateful to him, although it was only for a week. And then I had nowhere to go again. An uncle was then operating a health club and let me crash there. The health club had a basement, with narrow stairs leading down, that’s a storeroom for bottles of drinks. (Photo shown) I lived there. At that time I started working in theater groups. When I returned home at night, I worked out. But I couldn’t sleep well. Every morning at 5 an old man would come knocking. I had to get up to open the door, prepare the music, get the equipment ready. I only had 2 ~ 3 hours sleep each night. I was down to less than 60 kg. My wish was to grow fatter, gain some weight.
LKK :: There is something I don’t understand: Why didn’t you ask your parents for help?
PSH :: I didn’t want to. I wanted to succeed on my own.
LKK :: Let’s go to his native village to take some photos and see how big his house is.
KJD :: Is it huge with 9 rooms?
PSH :: It’s not like that. The living room is very large. I like it there very much because when we were small, we could pitch a tent there and play hide and seek.
HHJ :: Do you have photos of your house?
PSH :: You think I’m lying?
(Photos of his family home shown — taken by his father.)
PSH :: At first I didn’t know anything. I started from the stage ~ at the university. I started with putting up posters and handing out flyers.
LKK :: Did your time on the university stage help with your later acting career? For example, enhancing acting skills, actor’s image, etc.
PSH :: A little. I worked hard. There’s a director who said there’s a lead role that suited me. I don’t know whether it’s because I looked fair. Opportunity knocked. Double billing [ED: each role has 2 actors taking turns] Male and female leads were all cast. I’ve been with them for 4 months; I entered the act halfway.
LKK :: So did you play lead?
PSH :: Yes
LKK :: What is the drama called?
PSH :: “Twelve Life” It was about to premiere. Time to distribute publicity flyers. Finally my face was on the bill. I was full of expectations. I’m the lead, right? I opened the publicity pamphlet. Oops! my name was not among the actors. Is it at the back? Nope! On page 3 among Staff I saw my photo. How come? Was it because I joined halfway? I was devastated. I couldn’t think. I rushed out to sit in the park ~ for 20-30 minutes I just gazed at the pamphlet, thinking whether I should just go home and forget about everything. But it was near show time. Because it’s double billing, that day it was the other group that was performing and I was responsible for lighting. If I didn’t do it, there would be no lights, so I went back to the theater. When the performance was over, I went back to my little room in the health club. I felt very wretched, it was dark. I didn’t know a soul; I came to Seoul empty-handed. I felt very lonely and sad, so at that moment I made a big decision. I used the health club telephone to call home long-distance. I really felt very lonely, so I called my mother. As soon as I heard her voice, my tears started to roll down uncontrollably. Looking at the small room, talking to my mother, I wanted her to console me but she said: “If it’s so hard in Seoul, why are you still loitering there? Hurry back home!” My mother didn’t know my situation; she thought I was doing well. I said: “Mom, I’m feeling hopeless and helpless, that’s why I call you. Why are you scolding me?”
LKK :: How long did you stay in that hole?
LKK :: How long did you stay in that hole?
PSH :: One and a half years.
HHJ :: You never thought of going home?
PSH :: Absolutely not! Because I had a dream.
LKK :: Where did you go after you moved out of that basement?
PSH :: At the time there was a traffic accident. I was in a taxi; the road was very slippery which resulted in an accident. I got 5 million won (almost USD 5K~RM 15K at per time of interview ) compensation. Almost enough for security deposit (for an apartment).
KJD :: You risked your life.
PSH :: No, I didn’t want that to happen. It was an accident.
LKK :: An accident. You didn’t create it?
PSH :: I was sitting in the taxi and the taxi was skidding out of control on the wet road in the rain and hit an electricity pole. And then I got 5 million won compensation. I immediately went to look for an apartment, a small unit. It was a Sunday; I wanted to move at once. I brought my bank passbook with the compensation money. It was Sunday; I could not get the money from the bank. I had to leave my luggage at the door because the landlady would not let me in without the security deposit. This kind of thing would never happen in the country. From this experience I felt deeply Seoul people are not the same. That night I left my luggage at the door and spent the night at an internet bar and moved in the next day after I got the money.
LKK :: Where is this place?
PSH :: Cheongdam-dong. Monthly rent is 260,000 won. (almost USD260~ RM 800 as per time of interview)
HHJ :: You wanted to live in Cheongdam-dong?
PSH :: I didn’t have this concept then. I came from the country. What did I know about Cheongdam-dong? But a hyung (older male friend) with whom I’d shot a commercial was living on the 5/F, so I just followed my friend and came to Gangnam and to Cheongdam-dong, so I started my life in Cheongdam-dong.
LKK :: So that’s why you’re are filming that drama?
PSH :: No, not because of that.
LKK :: Now let’s summarize: In Buyeo county there was a landed gentry family, a rich family of 3 generations, followed his model-father to see 007, started his dream of becoming an actor, met a friend at the bus stop and went to Seoul, escaped from pyramid selling, lived in the basement of a health club, got involved in a traffic accident and won compensation to move to Cheongdam-dong.
PSH :: I passed that place recently and discovered the outer wall had been refurbished. But it still looked the same inside, they just fixed the exterior.
LKK :: No need to mention this. This guy is a black hole.
PSH :: Putting on airs …
LKK :: Life in Gangnam was very difficult, but you could have gotten a manager’s card. If you sign with a management company, you could develop your career. Why didn’t you?
PSH :: Yes, somebody gave me his business card at Gangnam.
LKK :: Because you look fair.
PSH :: Ha!Ha! Because I look fair. They really did give me a card. I could have beefed up my resume and then gone to them. I don’t know what I was thinking then. I just kept the business card, but I didn’t look at it. What a pity! I should have gone to them then.
HHJ :: Were you trying to choose?
PSH :: No. At that time I thought a good beginning is half of success. I thought as soon as I signed up with a company, I’d be hot. Don’t know where my self-confidence came from. I thought: A good beginning is half of success, and then I could be in a good drama. But then 10 years passed like this.
LKK :: So you passed 10 years as an unknown.
PSH :: Yes
LKK :: You’re so fair. I thought you’d immediately become famous.
HHJ :: How did you start off on TV?
PSH :: From extra and supporting actor. First, resume is very important.
HHJ :: First time as lead?
PSH :: Listen to me first. One step at a time. At the beginning in an MV – as lead. At that time my fan club members have increased to 5,000.
HHJ :: Which singer?
PSH :: Gavy NJ’s “Happiness” A drama PD saw this MV and contacted me. At that time I was beginning to play more important roles.
LKK :: So you’ve experienced one stage after another.
PSH :: Yes, once I was selected for a movie. Filmed some stills, also prepared for a few months, then they suddenly switched actors.
HHJ :: Why?
PSH :: Many reasons: because of my [lack of] reputation, experience not enough, preparation not enough.
LKK :: Which movie? It’s in the past; you can speak now.
PSH :: “Mr. Bullet” The plot is pretty interesting. I was to play the role of a cop.
LKK :: Was the movie on?
PSH :: Production was halted midway. For a year after that I had a blank year. At that time I had been in 2 dramas and was ready for a movie. I thought movie would be a new development. Then there was another drama role. Met the director, drank with him. He said: “Sihoo, you’re doing great!” That’s the best wine I’ve ever tasted, and I didn’t doze off. What a great opportunity! Must work hard. But after a couple of days, they changed the actor. They chose someone else.
LKK :: Why?
PSH :: I don’t know.
LKK :: What’s the name of the drama?
PSH :: The drama was broadcast. I really shouldn’t mention its name.
LKK :: Was it aired?
PSH :: Yes
LKK :: Popular?
PSH :: Not bad
KDG :: So you’ve experienced several failures. Why didn’t you change your profession?
PSH :: No. After I started as an actor, never once did I think of quitting. I kept going to auditions. Because I was shy I failed several dozen times. Maybe I couldn’t carry on, but I kept encouraging myself that everything would get better because I was full of hope. There would be better works. It didn’t work but the future would be better. The first time I was switched, I missed an opportunity. But the next day another SBS PD called. At first they wanted me but thought I’d signed on another drama. When they knew I was switched, they immediately called me the next day.
LKK :: So they knew you were fired.
PSH :: Not fired, just switched actors.
HHJ :: So what is the drama?
PSH :: “How to meet a perfect neighbor”
(HTMAPN clip shown)
LKK :: Have you been switched again since then?
PSH :: Since then the road has been broad and flat.
LKK :: How many times did you call home long-distance?
PSH :: A that time I was already using a cell phone; I’d bought a cell phone.
LKK :: What did your mother say?
PSH :: She has always been very encouraging; she also sent me text messages.
KDG :: The person who once said: “What the hell were you loitering there for?” She must have felt very pleased.
PSH :: Yes
LKK :: The wind in your native village blew the plum blossoms, 3 houses were built, and descendents would be famous.
PSH :: I’ve really heard of this legend many times when I was small. Thought my brother would be famous …. but now it’s this.
LKK :: Thought it was brother but it’s really me.
KDG :: Brother will be hurt when he hears this.
LKK :: What do you think are the 3 most important things in PSH being an actor?
PSH :: 1~ Fair. 2~ I’m the kind of person who once started must pursue to the end – tenacity. 3~ Clear objective. 4~ Also very optimistic. 5~ And I forget bad things very easily.
LKK :: I only asked for 3. Your tenacity — it started from when you were living in the village.
PSH :: When I was a small boy in the village, I could not run fast, but I could run for a long time.
LKK :: This type is more suitable to be an actor – run farther than those who run fast.
PSH :: When I first started, I knew nothing, just entered acting college. There were about 100 members at the start, but only 5 remained at the end. Many classmates gave up after 2 months.
LKK :: Tenacity, passion, honesty may be PSH’s weapons.
HHJ :: Also fair.
LKK :: His innate frank character, also his not caring about consequences. Please forget my crazy talk.
HHJ :: His PR is also very good in this field. Lots of people want him.
KDG :: Is that so?
PSH :: A little bit.
LKK :: As I see it, your relationship with scriptwriter, PD, staff are very good.
PSH :: I create my character by communicating with them several times.
KDG :: So you can grasp the character.
PSH :: I’m an actor who has no difficulty grasping the character.
Great conclusion. At the begining you’re called “Man women wanna seduce”, then “Posing man”, and now ”Fair man” …
KDG to HHJ :: What do you think, nickname expert?
HHJ :: I still don’t know the different sides of you, so I’ll call you “Onion Man”. Peel off layer after layer and still many layers left.
KDG :: Onion Man vs Iron Man
LKK :: What is your dream now?
PSH :: I want to be an actor, not just well-known in our country, but also in Asia.
HHJ :: You want to be a world-renowned actor.
PSH :: I can’t say anymore.
LKK :: To be well-known in the world …. How is your English?
PSH :: Hi!
LKK :: Let’s just say you’re branching out into Asia, what about when you’re going to Japan, so how is your Japanese?
PSH :: I’ve seen some foreign artists in our country whose Korean is so good that the mysterious element is diminished. So I only speak Korean even in Japan ~ to maintain the element of mystery.
KDG :: So it’s not because you can’t speak the language but just to remain mysterious.
PSH :: Occasionally I’ll say “Arigato” (Thank you in Japanese).
LKK :: Hi! Arigato. What about Chinese?
PSH :: Xie xie (Thank you in Mandarin)
KDG :: May you be the only actor to conquer the world with 3 phrases.
(Healing Camp present for PSH)
PSH :: It can’t be an onion!
(It’s a full-length mirror.)
HHJ :: Satisfied?
PSH :: Very. Looking at this mirror, reflecting on my dreams to be an actor ….
(PSH looks at himself in the mirror and says: “My eyes are bloodshot.”)
HHJ :: Look at the mirror every day to confirm you’re fair and handsome.
(Addressing the audience)
PSH :: In order to present the real me, I tried very hard. Don’t know what you think. Actually I also want to know. Please forgive me if I went overboard at some points. Ha!Ha! Hi! (Looking into mirror)
Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?
LKK, KDG & HHJ in unison: Park Si Hoo!
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